Deshaun Watson staying engaged while not practicing with Houston Texans

Embattled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was absent from Wednesday’s training camp practice for the second day in a row, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. It is unclear when he might return.

Watson has been the subject of trade rumors

The former Clemson Tigers signal caller made his desire to be traded clear in the offseason. Watson’s situation and future has been clouded due to multiple sexual assault allegations. Until there is more clarity on his situation, it is going to be tough to find a trade partner. The Carolina Panthers are reportedly one team that is monitoring his situation.

Despite these allegations and his trade request, Watson initially showed up to Houston Texans camp earlier this week. Now, Rapoport says that Watson has been absent for multiple days.

From Inside Training Camp Live: #Texans QB Deshaun Watson is not at practice again. pic.twitter.com/w3Zg9cNImA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2021

“For the second straight day, Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson is not on the practice field,” Rapoport says. “Yesterday (Tuesday) was the first day he was not there. The day before, trainers were spotted looking at his foot and ankle.”

Is a resolution in sight?

Despite Watson’s uncertain future in Houston, he has still been helping the team. Texans/NFL reporter Aaron Wilson said that Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly mentioned that Watson has been a “positive resource” for other quarterbacks on the roster.

Texans OC Tim Kelly was asked if it is strange for coaching staff with Deshaun Watson situation 'Not for us' added that Watson has been a positive resource for the other QBs and team is keeping Watson 'engaged' with what they're doing

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 4, 2021

It remains unclear whether or not Watson will be granted his trade request. Rapoport believes that the two sides could currently be at a standstill.

“When head coach David Culley was asked about his status, he basically said, ‘not much has changed.’ Perhaps we will get more clarity, but it certainly seems like a situation where he showed up, he reiterated his trade request, and the team has not traded him and wanted him out on the practice field,” Rapoport said. “It seems like something must give.

“What is going to be the next step? Are the Texans going to actively engage in trade conversations? Or are they going to do what they sort of have been doing, which is listen, listen, and listen some more and not do very much. Perhaps Watson not being at practice will ignite the situation, but it is also possible that it just stays here for a little bit.”

If Watson is not on the field when the regular season gets underway, the Texans have a couple of options behind him. The team inked Tyrod Taylor to a contract in the offseason and added former Stanford quarterback Davis Mills in the third round of the NFL Draft. Who starts the season at quarterback in Houston is currently unclear. It also seems as if no answer on that will be given anytime soon.

Image courtesy of: Carmen Mandato via Getty Images.